Revised Technical Regulations - 2008

[blindside.AMG]

http://www.formula1.com/news/3272.html

The FIA has officially revealed details of its plans to reform Formula One's Technical Regulations for the start of the 2008 season in a bid to reduce the costs of competing in the sport, whilst simultaneously attempting to increase competitiveness among teams. The proposed changes have been approved by the World Motor Sport Council and feedback on them is now being sought

Major proposals include:

A single, control-spec Engine Control Unit (ECU) for all competitors, "manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification." This would make it possible to effectively enforce a ban on driver aids like traction control.

Standard gearboxes fitted with common parts for all cars - with control to be via a driver-operated clutch pedal and gearshift similar to those of a conventional manual-transmission road car.

Revised bodywork to reduce downforce by approximately 90 percent while allowing cars a wider track. This would allow cars to follow each other far closer through corners without the loss of aerodynamic grip and thus would be likely to increase opportunities for drivers to pass each other.

Tyres supplied by a single manufacturer to all teams, the reintroduction of slick tyres and larger wheels - plus a ban on tyre-heating devices.

A "minimum specified" centre-of-gravity for every Formula One chassis and improved impact testing, again to increase competitiveness, but also driver impact protection.

Standard brakes for all competitors to reduce development costs.

Greater control over which materials can be used for the construction of a car's bodywork - similar to changes controlling the use of "exotic" materials in engines that go into place in 2006.

The compulsory installation of a starter motor.

A ban on spare cars, with only spare chassis permitted at events.

A limit on testing to a maximum of 30,000km per team per year.

The right for a team to buy a complete car or any part of a car from another constructor, with "further discussion" over how this would effect the award of Constructors' Championship points.


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Standard gearboxes and reducing downforce by 90%? I don't really like the sound of that.

[Jimster]

Wow, Formula One will soon be playing catch-ups with Formula Ford.



How incredibly stupid.

[rapstagangsta]

Geez, talk about the cars taking several hundred steps backwards.

[jcsaleen]

I hate it! 90% budget cut for engine devlopment, WTF - An limiting the engines + downgrading as well lets just put 4 cylinders an call it a day!

[sunstreaker.ASU]

That really makes F1 pretty stupid to watch. Isn't that why many people watch F1 because it's the pinnacle of racing technology and performance? That's why I watch it anyway. I guess there willl be other ways for manufacturers to show off there technological prowess. I'm just mad they have to have "compulsory" starter motors for 2008. bleh.

[drdisque]

I agree, that all of these would make the cars far too simple and cheap, i mean, the IRL isn't willing to simplify the cars this much. But some, like the FIA mandated ECU to prevent traction control and the reduction in downforce I think are good ideas.

[DinanM3_S2]

Formula Nascar...

[jcsaleen]

Originally Posted by DinanM3_S2

Formula Nascar...

[TheStang00]

the only thing i really dont like is the standard gear box, the center of gravity thing sounds pretty pointless too. but i think the racing will be much better, and since its supposed to have the best drivers in the world... now they will actually do something, the cars were so advanced before that they were practically just along for the ride.

[Ridenour]

What the shit - they're pretty much destroying the competition and creativity of the sport - if they wanna be that controlling, why don't they just give everyone the same damn car and then tell them to put their own driver in it.

[81911targasc]

dinanm3__s2 is right about formula nascar. thats just how it sounds

[ntn2lv4]

I can't do any better than "forumla nascar". max and bernie should be trying to attract the next Colin Chapman to the sport instead of a few more low budget teams

[drdisque]

I don't think he's trying to attract more teams, he's just trying to level the playing field so that there's more than 2 cars with a legit shot at winning

[Sticky]

How much longer will it be before this series becomes nothing more than a joke and F1's top teams break away to form their own series?

[jcsaleen]

1-2 years is my guess....